Senior officials from across Southern Africa have gathered in Pretoria, South Africa (SA) for the Ordinary Meeting of the 45th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers.
The meeting begins with the Committee of Senior Officials, which will prepare recommendations ahead of the Council of Ministers summit scheduled for March 12–13.
Held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” the gathering will focus on regional development priorities and co-operation.
Chairperson of the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials, Tebogo Seokolo, said the meeting is taking place during a period of significant global uncertainty.
“We meet at a time when the global and regional environment remains dynamic and uncertain, and I must say it is no exaggeration to describe it as dangerous,” Seokolo said.
He noted that geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, climate-related shocks and disruptions to global supply chains continue to affect developing regions, including Southern Africa.
“The international system continues to experience geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, climate-induced shocks and disruptions in global supply chains, all of which have direct implications for developing regions such as ours,” he added.
Seokolo welcomed the inclusion of an agenda item that will allow member states to reflect on the implications of global geopolitical developments.
At the same time, he said efforts towards deeper African integration remain on track, particularly through the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The outcomes of the senior officials’ meeting are expected to guide Ministers during the upcoming council discussions aimed at strengthening regional co-operation and economic resilience.
–ChannelAfrica–
